Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found no chronicity of the disabilities since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations regarding his bilateral foot disability, low back disability, and sciatica claims. The hearing loss claim has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his disability did not manifest to a level of severity that would warrant such a rating. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, sacroiliitis, and bilateral hearing loss due to potential errors in the original claim or insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

This decision denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's sleep disorder, PTSD, degenerative changes L5-S1 spine, bilateral lower extremity sciaticus, right total knee replacement, left knee degenerative arthritis, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 70 percent for mood disorder remains on appeal as the maximum available rating has not been granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for a left ankle disability is remanded and will require further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is due to military noise exposure during his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical segmental dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, fatigue, skin disability, left hip disorder, and low back disability due to lack of a VA examination or medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support these conditions as being related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal to increase his rating for bilateral hearing loss was not timely filed, and the July 2012 decision is considered final. The Board has remanded the case for further development including issuance of a statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of certification for the Maryland CNC test in the audiogram, and the Veteran's contention that his hearing loss has worsened since his last VA audiological evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disorder and bilateral hearing loss. These claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to noise during service and current diagnoses of hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since May 13, 2005. The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to determine if a higher rating is warranted prior to June 18, 2017 and in excess of 10 percent after.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete records.